Interviews
Kendall Pennington – Empty
By: Lisa Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) My sound is definitely lo-fi pop-inspired. There are some lo-fi beats in a lot of my music and I’m transitioning into more of the pop/country-based music!
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Some of my musical influences are Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves and FLETCHER.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Empty.”
A) “Empty”’ is a song about the loss of my two parents only four years ago. They both struggled with addictions and abuse. Mainly I wrote this in a very dark place when I realized that they taught me so much, but wouldn’t be around for some of the most important parts of my life such as my wedding, having kids, etc. They’re no longer here to show how proud they are of me or guide me for the rest of my life. And that was the inspiration behind writing it.
Q) This song was very difficult to write since it was so personal to you. What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I think fans will connect generally with the loss of someone or something that they cared so much about. The chorus is generalized and speaks about not being able to “hold your hand” anymore. This could apply to anything or anyone! I truly want people to not feel alone.
Q) How does the black and white aspect of the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) I wanted the viewers to be focused on the story in the video and not the colors or the landscape. Also, to give the vibe that these are obviously my memories and I’m reminiscing, almost in a dream-like state. I wanted them to feel like they were right there with me, watching all of these memories. The track, when we made it, was actually all mainly me playing piano. We didn’t do the traditional route of hooking the piano up to the software. We organically recorded it since the room’s acoustic was so amazing. That also gives it the “dream like” vibe that I envisioned when writing it!
Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) My writing process is usually music first and then lyrics. However, I usually know the idea I want to write about and the message of the song before writing it. I use that idea to come up with the sound I want and then the lyrics that will fit within the sound and idea to relate to the listener.
Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I have a lot of hand in the production! My very talented producer, Hush, is pretty amazing. He does all of the engineering on the track, but also understands the idea I’m trying to have the second I explain it. It makes us a pretty great team. If there’s a sound or an idea I have, he definitely tries it out for me and we usually end up loving it!
Q) What can fans expect from a live Kendall Pennington performance?
A) A live performance by me is quite intimate. I really like to relate to my audience and make them feel like I know them. I want it to be interactive and have them enjoy it like I’m just hanging out with them.
Q) Will there be an EP or full album coming in the near future?
A) There will definitely be an EP coming out! Sometime near the end of this year. [smiles]
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) I love to perform in more smaller towns or areas that aren’t as popular because it gets people from areas that aren’t so populated to come and still enjoy music!
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I would love to collaborate with Maren Morris. What a dream that would be! I feel we have similar voices and styles of writing.
Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) I’m currently listening to FLETCHER and Kelsea Ballerini’s new album. The lyrics and melodic choices on these albums are so well done. Each song tells a story and is so relatable. Not to mention, their voices are fantastic, very easy to listen to. I love what they stand for as artists, and people.
Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?
A) It’s important to connect with fans over social media because I feel like it’s one of the most vulnerable places to express yourself. You can just be without makeup on and in your sweatpants and go “live” and fans can feel like they are right there with you! I know personally I love when artists do that. It shows they’re down to earth and really care about their fans.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I would say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. It’s quite difficult to get where you want in the music industry and even harder to stay dedicated when you aren’t sure if your music is falling on deaf ears. The fans and the support are what keeps me going and tell myself to never give up!
Watch The Video For “Empty”
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